National Briefing | RHODE ISLAND

Firm settles over nightclub fire

A packaging company that was sued after a Rhode Island nightclub burned down five years ago has agreed to pay $25 million to survivors and relatives of the 100 people killed.

The settlement with Elmwood Park, N.J.-based Sealed Air Corp. is the latest in a series stemming from the February 2003 fire at The Station nightclub in West Warwick, which began when pyrotechnics used by the rock band Great White ignited flammable soundproofing on the club's walls. Victims' lawyers said the firm made foam used as soundproofing.

The settlement brings to nearly $150 million the total amount of money offered to survivors and families. It also moves the case, which initially named dozens of people and companies as defendants, closer to a resolution.